His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday commended the Independent Election Commission’s (IEC) efforts to prepare for municipal and governorate council polls, calling for full readiness to hold them, as they constitute one more step towards comprehensive reform.

At a meeting with the IEC president and members of its board of commissioners, held at Al Husseiniya Palace, King Abdullah stressed the importance of ensuring close coordination among all state institutions to guarantee the elections’ success, calling for building on previous achievements.

His Majesty also called for facilitating the voting process for citizens and assisting them.

The King urged intensified efforts to raise awareness of the decentralisation process, noting that it will grant a wider jurisdiction to local administrations, enabling citizens to contribute to setting their priorities and planning development projects in their areas, thus enhancing their role in decision-making.

IEC Chief Commissioner Khaled Kalaldeh presented a briefing on the commission’s measures to hold governorate and municipal council elections by building the capacities of election workers, ensuring electronic connectivity and cyber security, and facilitating the voting process, especially for persons with disabilities and the elderly.

Kalaldeh also pointed to the IEC’s campaigns on media outlets and social media platforms to raise public awareness and promote participation in the vote.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh and Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan attended the meeting.